'Into the Woods' in joint presentation by Not Another Theater Company and Syracuse New Times keeps the show's quality of multiple visions

One of the most appealing things about the musical "Into the Woods," by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, is that it calls for multiple vision.

The show takes a half-dozen fairy tales, recognizes their sense of danger and even horror, "fractures" them with generous helpings of updating, irony and comedy -- and yet somehow never loses track of their quality of innocence and wonder.

The production of "Into the Woods" directed by Dustin M. Czarny, artistic director of Not Another Theater Company, manages the difficult feat of sustaining those multiple zones of awareness.

This is a full and ambitious production, and it gets a big boost because more than a third of the cast have been professionally trained in theater and music. There is plenty of zest and expertise, for example, in the dances choreographed by Meghan Pearson.

The dialogue is usually sung rather than spoken, and most of the singing is accompanied by instruments playing mildly dissonant counterpoint.

Under Dan Williams' musical direction, the singers and musicians are secure and expressive in their handling of Sondheim's difficult score. At the preview I attended, however, it was often hard to make out the singers' words because the instruments were a bit too loud. But probably sound levels will be tweaked further by opening night on Thursday.

The show runs two hours and 45 minutes, but the pacing is tight and it does not seem that long.

The set by Navroz Dabu strongly establishes the tone of storybook wonder from the very start. On stage, the audience sees three huge, inviting books, "Cinderella," "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "The Baker and his Wife."

Surrounding the books are burly tree trunks and other woodland motifs that go with the title song.

Lanny Freshman plays an urbane, upbeat Narrator along with various other roles, and starts the stories with "Once upon a time...."

Swiftly the tales unroll themselves. Cinderella (Carmen Viviano-Crafts) is mighty depressed, and with good reason. As it says in the old tale, her stepmother and stepsisters (Rebecca Hall, Wendy Viggiano and Ceara Windhausen, respectively) are shrieking harridans who love to humiliate her.

There is no Fairy Godmother. Cinderella wishes she had a dress to go to the ball, and "whap!" -- a nice gown drops from above and flops by her side.

Little Red Ridinghood (Marissa Pizzutto, alternating with Gina Ferrelli) is a peppery kid and she takes no nonsense from the Wolf (Alex Cupelo), who calls her "Delicious." Later, she and Granny (Patricia Elise Catchouny) will turn the Wolf into some neat furs for Red Ridinghood.

Rapunzel (Bailey Pfohl, alternating with Kasey Richards) has been stuck in a tower by her overprotective mother, the Witch (Danan Tsan). Rapunzel's wooer (Liam Fitzpatrick) can climb up her incredible length of blond hair, but he wishes the tower had doors.

The Witch has put a spell on the Baker (Greg J. Hipius) and his Wife (Pearson). If they want the spell lifted, they'll have to bring her various oddly-assorted things, so they head on a scavenger hunt in the woods.

In fact, all the characters head for the woods on searches of their own. The way their lives become intertwined is part of the ingenuity of Lapine's book.

Jack's Mom (Kathy Eglott) sends him off to sell Milky White (Heather J. Roach), their beloved cow. Jack (Lucas Greer, alternating with Kyle Johnson) is very callow, but he'll meet up with the Baker and others.

Despite the fact that Act 1 is sometimes adapted as a children's musical, this production is not designed primarily as a kids' show. Parental guidance for younger children is advisable. Some of the darker scenes and themes might be scary. There are positive themes too, of course, but to its credit the production does not attempt to evade the show's dark undertones. Act 1 ends "happily ever after," but in Act 2 disillusion and discord take a strong hold.

Cinderella's Prince Charming, for example, turns out to be chronically unfaithful. In a nice bit of doubling, Cupelo plays her Prince as well as the Wolf.

Justifying himself, he says, "I was raised to be charming, not sincere."

Cinderella says two words: "Please go."

In storybook fashion, the characters are stereotyped. But many of the performers, without upsetting the storybook quality, bring richness and detail to their characters.

That's true, for example, of Viviano-Crafts, who lends Cinderella realistic sadness and depth. Greer captures perfectly Jack's change from a clueless boy to a responsible (if young) adult. Hipius' Baker seems plodding and dull, until you realize his depth and strength. Michael Spinoso, dressed in a "Student Prince" era uniform, brings droll aplomb to the role of the Steward.

Costuming by Deb Ritchey and CNY Costumes is highly effective, and so are wigs by Karen Procopio.

The Details:

What: "Into the Woods," presented by Not Another Theater Company in collaboration with the Syracuse New Times.When: Seen at dress rehearsal on Tuesday, May 10, 2011. Opens on Thursday, May 12. There will be two small-child friendly matinee productions of "Into the Woods" at 2 p.m. May 21 and 28.Where: New Times Theater, state fairgrounds, Geddes.Length: Two hours, 45 minutes, including intermission.
Performs through: May 28.Family guide: Adult themes. Parental guidance advisable for younger kids.Information: 446-1461.